Rolleiflex Hy6 / Sinar Hy6 / Leaf AFi

Overview

The Rolleiflex Hy6 is a next-generation medium format camera body, based on the long experience Franke & Heidecke acquired with the successful Rolleiflex 6000 series. The new system is based on a cooperation between Braunschweig, Germany based Franke & Heidecke and Feuerthalen, Switzerland based Sinar AG (owned by Jena, Germany based Jenoptik). The Hy6 embodies the technological know-how, precision engineering and manufacturing of three world-renowned companies whose single objective was to create a medium-format camera system that is intuitive in design and second to none in performance. F&H and Sinar were joined by Tel Aviv, Israel based Leaf (owned by Kodak), who sells the camera under the name "AFi" together with its Aptus digital backs.

Most of the development was financed by Jenoptik/Sinar (about 4 mio €), who provided the electronics while Franke & Heidecke developed the mechanics. The camera's parts are constructed by F&H and by German sub-assembly companies. Whatever the camera's name, all are assembled by F&H in its Braunschweig factory before they are delivered to Sinar and Leaf for final adjustments with their respective digital backs.

Hy6 prototypes were presented at Photokina 2006 and received the Photokina Star 2006 award for most outstanding new product. Designed to capture images using both digital and conventional film backs, the Hy6 offers photographers a true 6×6 cm medium-format size with the flexibility of a 4.5×6 cm camera. In mid-2007 the first cameras were delivered to Sinar and Leaf for final testing. They became available to customers towards the end of 2007. The Hy6 received the TIPA award 2008 for "best medium-format digital system".

In contrast to Hasselblad's decision to turn its H line, starting with the H3D, into a closed system connecting only to its proprietary Hasselblad/Imacon digital backs, the Hy6 is opened to both Sinar and Leaf digital backs. However, as PhaseOne decided not to participate in the joint project, its digital backs do not connect to the Hy6. Meanwhile PhaseOne combined efforts with Mamiya, another medium format camera company.

The Hy6 ("Hy" for "hybrid") is based on an “open system” design and can easily adapt to advancements in future chip technology by allowing the insertion of larger (higher-resolution) image sensors of up to 56×56 mm, which is physically impossible with the 645-type of medium format cameras such as Hasselblad H or Mamiya/PhaseOne 645. Dalsa has already developed a sensor with 56×36 mm dimensions, the largest so far, used in the Leaf AFi-II 10.

It is an evolutionary extension of the 6008 AF, but with new features such as the open system user interface, a new focus detector, which is able to focus under difficult lighting conditions, and a lithium-ion battery that can be recharged without having to worry about memory loss. The height of the Hy6 is lower than the 6008 AF since the motor-drive is removed from the body and the new battery is located in the hand grip. This makes the system both compact and light.

Both Sinar and Leaf offer the capability of turning digital backs from horizontal into vertical position. This is also possible with the Rolleiflex 4560 film back. The advantage is that the camera can be held in the same position regardless of whether one is making horizontal or vertical shots, unlike with typical 645-type medium format cameras. The 6008 AF offers the same capability with the Rolleiflex 4560 film back and Sinar eMotion digital backs with revolving adapter.

Differences between the Rolleiflex 6008 AF and the Hy6 / AFi

Compatibility with the Rolleiflex 6000 series system

Differences between the Hy6 / AFi variants

Available versions

About Jenoptik

Jenoptik specializes in photonics and mechatronics technologies. The company's core competency is putting light to use as an industrial tool. Jenoptik is active in the four areas of lasers, optics, sensors and mechatronics. Beyond its expertise in professional photography, Jenoptik is also active in the area of scientific photography. Through its subsidiary Robot Visual Systems, based near Düsseldorf (Germany), Jenoptik has been instrumental in successfully implementing the transition from wet film to digital technology for traffic safety technology. Thanks to its state-of-the-art digital cameras developed for use in traffic safety, Jenoptik has become one of the world's leading providers of this technology. Jenoptik acquired 100% of Sinar AG shares in 2007.

About Franke & Heidecke

Franke & Heidecke GmbH Feinmechanik und Optik develops, manufactures and distributes the Rolleiflex brand of professional camera systems as well as Rolleivision slide projectors. Additional fields of activity of the Braunschweig (Germany) company are the production of precision-mechanical and optical components, high-performance lenses and prototypes, as well as the development of custom-tailored optical solutions. In the fall of 2005, Franke & Heidecke became the successor to Rollei Produktion GmbH. The name of the company goes back to the inventors of the legendary twin-lens “Rolleiflex,” Paul Franke and Reinhold Heidecke.

Latest news (2009-2010)

As a surprise and notwithstanding the strong demand for its products (in particular the Hy6 / AFi camera), Franke & Heidecke filed for insolvency on 27 February 2009. Though several investments had been made it appeared impossible to cope with historic liabilities. Production continued till the end of April 2009. In order to further cut costs, many employees were sent on temporary leave of absence. All 131 employees received their letter of termination on 30 June 2009. However, a number of employees remained at the factory throughout October 2009, in particular those responsible for back-orders and servicing. On 22 November 2009 a successor company, DHW Fototechnik, was created (read article in German and in English) with fewer staff but at the same location in the Salzdahlumer Strasse 196 in Braunschweig. The 30 staff is expected to be up to 50 by the end of 2010. Most production is, at the moment, related to slide projectors and twin-lens Rolleiflex cameras, as well as the classic Rollei 35 camera on demand (read article in German). It is as yet unclear if production of the Hy6 can be taken up again, in light of the fact that the intellectual property rights over the camera design currently seems to belong to Leaf Imaging (read article in German). DHW Fototechnik continues to sell the Hy6 camera from stock, as well as the Hy6/AFi system components, and is working on further developments including new lenses and accessories.

On 25 June 2009 PhaseOne and senior Leaf management agreed to set up a joint company, Leaf Imaging Ltd, taking over most of the Leaf assets (parent company Kodak had already for some time been looking at options to sell off Leaf). The longer term effects of this new development are as yet unknown and the new company has stated that it is further considering its options regarding the AFi. As PhaseOne already has a strategic alliance with Mamiya, the AFi would constitute an additional platform. Many users have meanwhile called upon Leaf Imaging to continue the AFi line through a petition on the web.

At the same time, the Hy6 system remains a significant line of business for Sinar. After the decision by parent company Jenoptik to withdraw from medium-format photography in August 2009, Sinar Photography AG has taken over development, sales, service and support divisions for the Sinar brand products. Service and support, including for the Sinar Hy6 and Leaf AFi models, are guaranteed for the future. The continuation of the Hy6 medium-format camera system is currently under negotiation, and the existing business alliance guarantees long-term technical support. It can be reasonably expected that the world's most advanced and versatile medium format camera system will find a new breath.

Technical Data

Camera type
Single-lens reflex autofocus camera with multiple automatic exposure control, variable metering pattern, TTL autoflash (SCA-3000) and motorized film advance in conjunction with type 4560 or 6060 magazine.

Autofocus
1. Cross-type autofocus sensor
2. Integral red-light grid projector for automatic focusing in low light
3. Non-AF Rolleiflex-6008-compatible lenses can be used with focus indicator

Analog negative sizes
4.5x6 cm and 6x6 cm (the latter under development)

Film sizes
Size 120 and 220 roll film for 16 or 32 exposures in 4.5 x 6cm format

Film speed
ISO 25/15° to 6400/39° can be set in 1/3 increments on interchangeable magazine

Shutter
Electronically controlled between-the-lens shutter with speeds from 1/1000 s (with PQS lenses) to 32 s plus B

Exposure-metering modes
1. Multi-zone metering
2. Center-weighted multi-zone metering
3. Spot metering via central photodiode (approx. 1% of 6 x 6cm format)
4. Automatic compensation of extraneous light during metering
5. Integral RGB sensor for automatic white balance in digital photography

Exposure modes
1. Shutter-speed priority AE
2. Aperture-priority AE
3. Programmed AE biased for high speeds
4. Metered manual in 1/3 increments

Operating ranges
1. Exposure metering: EV 0 to EV 19 at ISO 100/21° with 80mm f/2.8 lens
2. Autofocusing: EV 1 to EV 19 at ISO 100/21° with 80mm f/2.8 lens
3. TTL flash ISO 25 – 1600

AE lock
1. Operational in all automatic modes
2. Locks exposure value (EV) of shutter speed and aperture

Exposure compensation
1. Manual in 1/3 increments from -5 to +5 EV
2. Via auto bracketing in 1/3, 2/3 and 1EV increments

Autoflash
1. TTL flash metering in film or sensor plane
2. Flash-ready display in viewfinder
3. Optional automatic flash firing with Metz flash units in low light
4. Additive fill flash
5. TTL flash metering with studio flash units

Flash synchronization
1. At any shutter speed from 1/1000 s to 32 s
2. Hot shoe with center contact and contacts for Metz flash units
3. SCA-3002 interface via Rollei SCA-3562 Adapter

Multiple exposures
By electronic suppression of film advance, without image viewing when used with film magazine

Reflex mirror
Prelockable instant-return mirror with motorized direct drive, with partially transmitting multicoating

Viewfinder system
1. Standard folding finderhood with collapsible magnifier
2. Interchangeable for telescopic 90° high-eyepoint viewfinder or 45° prism finder
3. Interchangeable focusing screen
Super-bright High-D screen (standard equipment)

Viewfinder information
1. Illuminated viewfinder LCD for focusing status, shutter speed and aperture (1/3 increments)
2. Manual metering
3. Exposure compensation
4. Metering mode
5. Flash readiness
6. Film speed
7. Custom functions
8. Frame counter
9. Horizontal or vertical format with 4.5 x 6 cm
10. Battery status

Film advance
1. Automatic film advance by high-performance motor in film magazine
2. Single frames and continuous shooting with up to 1.5 fps
3. Automatic film prewinding to first frame
4. Automatic film winding after exposure of last frame

Power supply
Rechargeable high-performance lithium-ion battery, 7.2 V, 2200 mAh.

Handgrip with LC display
1. With four click stops (for use with folding finderhood, 45° or 90° viewfinder)
2. Detachable leather wrist strap

Interchangeable film magazines
1. Type 4560 film magazine for 4.5 x 6 cm with integral laminar drawslide, frame counter, film-speed setting, film-type display and preloadable film insert
2. Type 6060 film magazine for 6 x 6 cm (under development)

Custom functions and basic menu settings
1. Leading or trailing sync
2. Self-timer
3. Auto bracketing
4. Frame-counter display vertical/horizontal with type 4560 film magazine

Interfaces
1. Digital-back interface
2. Screw-type 8-pole universal connector for electrical cable release and other electronic accessories
3. Mini-USB port for firmware updates and servicing

Tripod quick-release adapter (for Novoflex Q-Base)
With 1/4” and 3/8” tripod sockets.

Compatible digital backs
◆ Sinarback eSprit 65
◆ Sinarback eMotion 22 / 54 / 75
◆ Sinarback eVolution 75 H
◆ Sinarback 54 MC / M
◆ Leaf AFi backs

Compatible lenses
1. Schneider Digital AFD 50, 80, 150, 180, Zoom 60 – 140 as well as AFD-Flektogon 35
2. All PQ/PQS lenses compatible with Rolleiflex 6000 cameras

Dimensions (mm)
◆ Camera body: 157 x 112 x 78
◆ 80mm f/2.8 lens: 67 x 90
◆ Type 4560 film magazine: 88 x 86 x 50
◆ Digital backs: See manufacturer’s data

Weight (g)
◆ Camera body incl. battery: 990
◆ 80mm f/2.8 lens: 500
◆ Type 4560 film magazine: 330
◆ Digital backs: See manufacturer’s data

Who is responsible for service and support

Service and support for Hy6 and AFi camera bodies and system parts is offered by DHW Fototechnik, the successor company to manufacturer Franke & Heidecke. DHW Fototechnik, as the company retaining the expertise in manufacturing and development of the system, is also continuing to sell Hy6 / AFi bodies, lenses and accessories and is further developing the system. At the same time, the new Sinar company -Sinar Photography AG- is offering service and support for both Hy6 and AFi bodies (in agreements with Jenoptik and Kodak/Leaf, respectively).
Service and support for Sinar digital backs is performed by Sinar Photography AG. The situation for the Leaf AFi is a bit more complicate. The Leaf AFi digital backs continued to be supported by Kodak, as parent company of the "old" Leaf company, through the Leaf dealers. The new Leaf - Leaf Imaging Ltd- as part of PhaseOne was not involved anymore in the support of AFi systems but was assisting customers within certain limits. The situation has changed to the better since 10 May 2010, when it was announced that, through an agreement with Kodak, the new Leaf will support all current and legacy Leaf digital backs, including the AFi camera system. The Leaf dealers have thus again become one-stop points of contact for servicing of both back and body.

Serial numbers

The first number of Hy6 / AFi camera bodies serial number indicate the year of production, with the year 2005 as the base line on which the number has to be added. E.g. a serial number starting with 1 indicates a body manufactured in 2005 + 1 = 2006. A serial number starting with 2 indicates a body manufactured in 2005 + 2 = 2007.
The second and third number of Hy6 / AFi camera bodies serial number denote the index number. The most current index number is 04.
State of the art bodies should have a serial number starting with either 304... or 404... However, bodies can also be internally upgraded to the latest index while retaining their previous serial number (the plate with the serial number on the bottom is not removed in order not to inflict damage).

Firmware updates

Hy6 / AFi camera bodies with serial number starting with 1... and 2... (manufactured in 2006 and 2007) should be avoided. These were early production series and their firmware cannot be upgraded. Some of the early production series cameras were later exchanged by Franke & Heidecke. Camera bodies starting with 3... and 4... (manufactured in 2008 and 2009) are fine. Most camera bodies in circulation have a serial number starting with 3... (manufactured in 2008). Firmware updates for Hy6 and AFi camera bodies can be performed by Sinar Photography AG in Zürich and DHW Fototechnik in Braunschweig.
The Hy6 firmware update version 2.11 (Macintosh) can be downloaded from the Sinar website and installed via computer and USB connection to the camera body (type A/mini-AB). Firmware updates beyond version 2.11 need to be performed by Sinar or DHW.
Leaf AFi bodies and backs can be upgraded automatically up to version 2.13 when connected to Leaf Capture until version 11.2.4 (Macintosh and Windows). This feature has been de-activated in later versions of Leaf Capture in order to avoid liability issues for the new Leaf Imaging Ltd. Firmware updates beyond version 2.13 need to be performed by Sinar or DHW.

All Hy6 / AFi camera bodies have been manufactured and tested for at least 500.000 actuations. The actual number of actuations can only be verified by DHW. This should not be confused with the actuations for the digital backs, which can be found on the menus of the respective digital backs.